State unemployment slightly lower than national average

Alaska’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 6.1 percent; up from 5.9 percent in May but a full percentage point lower than June 2012. The national average for June didn’t change from the previous month, staying at 7.6 percent.

A report from the state Department of Labor shows a slight increase in unemployment throughout Alaska’s regions, except for the Southwest part of the state, which saw a decrease of six-tenths of a percentage point. Despite an overall increase in that region, the Bethel and Wade Hampton areas had the highest rates in the state, at 17.2 percent and 25.4 percent, respectively.

Unemployment in Southeast increased by six-tenths of a percentage point. Hoonah, Angoon and Petersburg saw slight decreases. Skagway and Bristol Bay had the lowest unemployment rates, both at 1.8 percent.